How to Identify High-Quality Silver: Tips for Buyers

Investing in high-quality silver can lead to several benefits, such as durability, anti-infectious properties, affordable luxury items, and easy personalization. However, remember that with its popularity and rich advantages, imitation and low-quality silver products are being produced increasingly, so you need to take additional steps to avoid these items. Continue reading as the experienced precious metals dealers from First National Bullion and Coin explain how to determine if the silver in your presence is of high quality.

Hallmark Stamp

Some of the most precious silver items include a lion passant, Britannia mark, or other hallmark stamps. The pieces will have the original marks and images that come with silver or modern versions that have been authorized within the industry. Looking for these hallmark stamps can help you avoid low-quality or unreal products.

Other purity marks aren’t as well-known as those previously listed but still have significance. For example, while the date letter might not have been established when the silver was made, it should indicate the date a specific piece of precious metal was assayed. Other purity marks to look for include the maker’s and town marks.

Corrosion Resistance

Being a noble metal helps silver maintain its high quality and resistance to oxidation and corrosion. The ability to remain effective in humidity-controlled environments makes silver even more sought after, especially for applications related to aerospace and aircraft.

The barrier that forms in silver allows it to stave off tarnishing, heat dissipation, and substrate materials that are based on oxides and compounds. Silver’s corrosion resistance is so strong that medical, motor, and electrical industries often use this precious metal for different products. Therefore, your silver should have this resistance as well.

Appearance & Smell

If a distinctive smell accompanies your metal, it’s likely impure. However, high-quality silver comes with a great appearance and no smell. The authenticity makes the precious metal odorless. Some smells that show a piece is counterfeit or a cheaper version include rotten egg and sulfur scents. These smells are due to the toxic and non-authentic materials that make up the impure silver.

A lustrous and bright appearance is something these high-quality precious metals need to possess. The composition and presence of the hallmark stamp mentioned above will also confirm the silver’s authenticity.

Purity

The percentage can inform you if the silver is pure. Pure silver has the highest quality, but silver sterling comes in next.

Another way to determine if silver is pure is by conducting acid, X-ray, and ice tests. You can quickly test silver using ice at home. However, a qualified laboratory must perform an X-ray or silver acid test.

When looking for pure silver, it would be best to shop at a trusted precious metals firm. These boutiques have high-quality products you can buy with confidence. If you have any questions, the professionals at a precious metals firm will provide the answers you need, helping you avoid low-quality silver now and in the future.

If you live in San Diego, silver bars and coins of the highest quality are available at First National Bullion and Coin. We buy and sell a variety of precious metals, including silver, platinum, gold, and palladium. San Diego collectors who are looking for trustworthy dealers and high-quality service should give us a call to speak with one of our precious metals experts. 

The statements made in this blog are opinions, and past performance is not indicative of future returns. Precious metals, like all investments, carry risk. Precious metals and coins may appreciate, depreciate, or stay the same in cash value depending on a variety of factors. First National Bullion does not guarantee, and its website and employees make no representation, that any metals for sale will appreciate sufficiently to earn the customers a profit. The decision to buy, sell, or borrow precious metals and which precious metals to purchase, borrow, or sell are made at the customer’s sole discretion.